Post of Serbia - Post of Serbia preserves the memory of Serbian skies and airmail pioneers

11/10/2025

Post of Serbia preserves the memory of Serbian skies and airmail pioneers

The philatelic exhibition “Aviation of Serbia 1910–1919 and Airmail of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia 1923–1941" dedicated to the pioneers of Serbian aviation and their contribution to the development of postal traffic was officially opened at the PTT Museum in Belgrade.

The exhibition was organized by the Public Enterprise “Post of Serbia”, the PTT Museum and the Serbian Philatelic Federation, in cooperation with the author of the exhibition Aleksandar Boričić, a world-renowned sports official, distinguished member of international sports organizations, and a passionate philatelist.

The exhibition, unique in its scope, historical significance and documentary value, presents original postal and archival materials that trace the development of Serbian and Yugoslavian aviation during the first half of the 20th century, from the first flights and heroic exploits of the pioneers of Serbian skies, through the establishment of airmail as a symbol of technological progress and a modern state, to the period between the two world wars, when the Kingdom of Yugoslavia became part of the European air network.

Zoran Anđelković, Acting Director of PE Post of Serbia, pointed out that collecting historical materials requires dedication, speed, emotion and sportsmanship, emphasizing that philately is a “type of sport” that allows young people to learn about their history.

“Not many museums possess what Aleksandar Boričić does. His love and desire to leave a lasting impression have resulted in an exhibition that can be considered a kind of museum in itself”, said Anđelković.

Anđelković added that the exhibition is an opportunity to illustrate the history of Serbian philatelists and the importance of a postage stamp, which “is not just a drawing, but reflects the time, culture and existence of a state”. At the same time, visitors can see how airmail connected the country with numerous world centres and how important logistics was in postal traffic at that time.

Anđelković also emphasized the educational significance of the exhibition for young people: “It is important that students visit museums such as this one, not because it is a PTT Museum, but because an exhibition like this is part of our history and the development of aviation”.

The author of the exhibition, Aleksandar Boričić, emphasized that this project represents one of the important exhibitions dedicated to the pioneers of Serbian aviation and the beginnings of airmail in our country: “Through every postcard, letter and postal cancellation, we can feel the time, courage and vision of the people who first flew in the skies over Serbia. This exhibition is a tribute to these pioneers and a reminder that airmail was more than a technical achievement, it was a symbol of connection, trust and progress”.

Vladimir Milić, President of the Serbian Philatelic Federation, emphasized that the exhibition is a significant contribution to the culture of remembrance: “Philately is not just a hobby, but an important part of national culture. Through postal documents, we preserve our identity, remember history and transmit the values that built our state. The cooperation with the PTT Museum and the Post of Serbia shows how important it is to cherish this tradition”.

The exhibition was realized with the intention of bringing the cultural and technological heritage of the beginnings of airmail transport closer to the public and of paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundations of modern aviation in Serbia and the region.

With this exhibition, the PTT Museum continues its mission of preserving the national postal and philatelic heritage, reminding us that the culture of remembrance and archival materials represent a valuable link between the past and the modern technological age.

The exhibition will be open to visitors from November 12 to 30, 2025, at the PTT Museum, Majke Jevrosime 13, in Belgrade.